Want to learn the exact step-by-step copywriting process top-paid copywriters use when writing?
It’s really simple.
There are only 3 core steps in copywriting.
And, best of all, this simple 3-step copywriting process is perfect for beginner copywriters.
If you follow the copywriting steps outlined below, you can feel confident when writing, write within a proven structure and write much faster than you currently are today.
In this post…
I’m going to explain what copywriting is and the simple 3-step copywriting process I use (and all top copywriters use) to effortlessly write copy that impresses clients and drives sales.
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is salesmanship in print.
Instead of selling face-to-face, you are selling through the words you write.
3 benefits of selling via copywriting:
- Sell to thousands at a time: You can reach thousands of people through a single ad.
- Sell 24/7: you write once, then can generate sales while you sleep, for years to come.
- Perfect for introverts: Does selling face-to-face make you cringe? If so, copywriting is a perfect alternative. Plus, you can earn FAR MORE money with copywriting than traditional sales (there are dozens of copywriters earning 7-figures right now)
As a copywriter, you write for companies to help them generate sales and leads.
You have endless options for the industry/niche you write for and the type of copy you write – emails, landing pages, blog posts, VSLs, and so on.
Use This Simple 3-Step Copywriting Process to Effortlessly Write A-List Copy That Impresses Clients and Attracts More Income
Step 1 In the Copywriting Process: Research
This is, by far, the MOST important step in the copywriting process.
Every 6-figure+ copywriter spends AT LEAST 80% of their time on research and only 20% on writing.
As Eugene Schwartz preached in his speech to Rodale Press (billion-dollar publishing company)…
“You do not write copy, you assemble it.”
Everything you write already exists.
Your job is to find it and assemble it – via research.
How to research like a pro
There are 4 main aspects when it comes to research:
- The product
- The company
- The market
- The competition
Where do you find this information?
The first place you get this invaluable info is from your client.
Most of the time, companies will give you a detailed document including all this vital information.
If not, you’ll need to create your own copywriting brief and have them fill this out.
Here are 5 additional market research resources:
- Reddit – This is my favorite research tool. Simply search your market’s keyword (I.E. “dentists”) and browse the subreddits (communities filled with people from your market). In seconds, you’ll gain access to hundreds of questions, frustrations, problems, topics, etc. that your readers are interested in and talking about (warts and all… users are anonymous, so they don’t hold back – this is a VERY good thing for YOU).
- Facebook groups – This is another market research goldmine. Go to Facebook. Then, type in the relevant keyword. Example: if your client is in the weightless niche and sells diet pills, type in “weightless” or “diet” or “diet supplement”. Join the group and study the market.
- Amazon reviews – This tool is great for product HINT: look for reviews that tell emotion-filled stories.
- Competitor websites – Another great place to gain market research info is your client’s competition. Browse the top 5-10 competitors in their industry and study their headlines, claims, benefits, etc.
- Blog post comments – Blog post comments can give you great insight into what your market wants and is interested in, related to what you’re selling.
Once I’ve gathered enough info on my client’s product, company, market and competition, I add everything into a Word doc and organize it.
By the time I’m done adding stuff, I have AT LEAST 20 pages (usually much more).
Now what?
STUDY.
I study this big arse document 3 times.
First time:
I just read it.
Second time:
I highlight important pieces – big benefits, main selling points, objections, emotional triggers (frustrations, problems, insecurities) and so on.
Then, I read it one more time before writing.
Give yourself at least 2 hours in between reading.
After you’ve read your research notes 3 times, you’ll be ready to write.
(For more info on the copywriting research process see this post)
Step 2 In the Copywriting Process: Write
After the research phase, it’s best to give yourself 24 hours before writing.
Why?
Because this gives your brain time to “incubate”.
This is what A-list copywriter – Joseph Sugarman - called the creative process for coming up with breakthrough ideas.
By giving your brain some breathing room, you allow your subconscious mind to work its magic.
If you give it enough time, it will feed you all the ideas you need to write bang bang copy.
Anyway…
After I’ve studied my market research notes 3x and have given myself 24 hours to “incubate”, I sit down at my computer and WRITE.
This is really important:
When you write your first draft, let everything flow right out of your brain and onto your keyboard.
Do NOT edit.
Just write, write, write.
It can be absolute jibberish.
Don’t worry about punctuation, spelling, grammar or anything else.
Just write until you are done (headline to CTA).
Also, when I write my first draft, I set a 33.33-minute timer.
I learned this warrior tip from Eugene Schwartz.
Why?
Because this forces you to write FAST.
Deadlines are the key to boosting productivity and getting more done, in less time.
After the timer dings, I take a 5-10 minute break.
Then, I write for another 33.33 minutes.
I repeat this until I’m done with my first draft.
This is probably the easiest and fastest way to write copy.
Highly recommend you try it.
IMPORTANT:
If words don’t flow right out of your noggin, you have NOT done enough research.
I have NEVER experienced writer’s block.
Writer’s block is not real. It’s simply a matter of doing enough research.
Step 3 In the Copywriting Process: Edit
Editing is the last step in the copywriting process.
It’s probably the most demanding.
What you want to do now is, you gotta turn your sloppy, barely readable rough draft, into a copywriting masterpiece that persuades readers to buy.
Here’s how I go about it:
(I learned this from Ben Settle.)
I read my copy 10 times, out loud.
Every time I stumble on bumpy words, I smooth them out.
Plus, in between readthroughs, I’ll review my market research document to make sure that I’ve included every main selling point.
The main goal of editing is to convey your sales message in the most powerful way, using the least amount of words.
Simplify, condense, cut, refine.
After reading aloud 10x, your copy will read as smooth as a baby’s head.
It’s amazing how much of a difference the 1st draft and last draft are.
Conclusion
Simple, huh?
Believe it or not, this simple 3-step copywriting process is how ALL the top copywriters in this industry approach each copywriting gig they are assigned.
Follow this process every time you write for a client.
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